A3LA-RG Guide Version B
Document Number: 451-93156-009B
19 of 180
1
I
NTRODUCTION
This document describes the electrical and mechanical interfaces of the A3LA-RG. Model A3LA-
RG is an Iridium satellite modem comprising a 9523 L-band transceiver (LBT) and a built-in u-
blox MAX-6Q GPS receiver. The A3LA-RG has an internal microcontroller programmed to
monitor the modem’s connectivity status to prevent hardware lock-up. It is designed to
transmit either AES 256-bit encrypted or unencrypted data (but not voice) via the Iridium
satellite network. Similar to a standard landline modem, the A3LA-RG can be controlled by any
data terminal equipment (DTE) capable of sending standard AT commands via an RS232 serial
port. A DTE can be a desktop computer, a laptop computer, a smartphone, or even a
microcontroller. With the exception of a smaller form-factor, model A3LA-RG is functionally
compatible with the A3LA-XG. Model A3LA-RG-MIL is an A3LA-RG that has been certified to
MIL-STD-810G standards and IP67 rating.
Services supported include:
1.
Dial-up data switch
2.
Direct internet connection (or NIPRNET connection)
3.
Direct internet connection using Apollo Emulator (only for DoD EMSS Gateway)
4.
Short message service (SMS)
5.
Short burst data (SBD)
6.
Router-based unrestricted digital internetworking connectivity solution (RUDICS)
7.
Voice when combined with the DPL audio handset
Figure 1: Iridium Satellite Modem A3LA-RG
SIM Reader under the Lid
DB25 Multi-interface
Connector
SMA GPS Connector
TNC Iridium Connector
